It took Alex Rodriguez a long time to publicly acknowledge the true state of his relationship with Derek Jeter. And my suspicion is that it is going to take him until he is actually signing a contract elsewhere to show his intentions when it comes to that option of his.

Here is something to remember about a good deal of athletes, for the stuff they are asked about all the time, most come up with a set answer on that subject. And A-Rod had his set answer about the player option for a while: He kept professing that he loves New York and wants to finish his career with the Yankees.

Then on Tuesday with Mike and the Mad Dog, Rodriguez diverted off that road and spoke about how he wants âto make sure, from the fans (and) management, Iâm wanted here.â This is Alex Rodriguez, so the change in script was ear-catching. You can either opt to believe that he ad-libbed and blundered or that he revealed a bit of how he and his camp are going to explain leaving when he does.

Now here is a point at which I should state that I believe Alex Rodriguez has every right to leave. Through his agent, Scott Boras, Rodriguez negotiated his contract fairly with the Texas Rangers. Whatever is in his contract is in his contract. He earned that by being a great player. One of the things he earned is an out clause after the 2007 season. Good for him and his options.

My gut, though, was that he was always insincere about whether he would invoke it or not. I think on Mike and the Mad Dog we saw a bit more of a strategy. He also said, âI have an option at the end of the year and weâll see what happens after that. If I go out and have four years in New York and go out and win two MVPs and one World Series, thatâs a pretty good job.â

To me, that sounds like a man who is seriously contemplating a departure. I think he will get to the end of the season and use something as an alibi for why he has to leave. My early suspicion is that he will seek an extension from the Yankees beyond the three years at $81 million left on the current deal. The Yanks, in a more frugal state, will say no, and Rodriguez will say that shows that the Yankees really do not want him and he has to go.